“Officials from the U. S. Department of Housing & Urban Development recently presented a Certificate of Recognition to Harbor View Manor to celebrate the opening of their Neighborhood Networks Computer Learning Center for the residents.Harbor View Manor, 919 South Fawcett Avenue, Tacoma, is a privately owned senior housing apartment with 170 units for low-income seniors.The certificate was presented at the 30 Year Celebration Afternoon Tea honoring the agencies and foundations which have provided financial assistance in the facility’s renovation. Funding sources include HUD Community Development Block Grant and HOME funds through the City of Tacoma, the Ben B. Cheney Foundation, the Greater Tacoma Community Foundation, Harbor View Resident Council, American Baptist Homes of the West, and American Baptist Homes Foundation of the West.Funding was used for upgrading the units, roof replacement, and community room upgrades.As part of the community room upgrades, the owners of the facility created a Neighborhood Networks Computer Learning Center for residents. The Center is part of the Neighborhood Networks Initiative sponsored by HUD to provide new economic and community based opportunities by encouraging resident, owners, and managers of HUD assisted housing to create computer learning centers on-site with the help of other public and private community partners and resources.The initiative is based on the concept that job training, education, microenterprises and wellness centers can be developed where people live. Together with private owners and local community partners, HUD is helping to provide assisted housing residents with centers of learning – a network of neighbors – who, utilizing technology, education, and hard work can increase opportunity and self sufficiency, and become an integral part of the local community.The computer center will provide residents with a basic knowledge of the Internet, word processing software programs, and financial management software programs. Residents will have a structured learning program for basic software applications and introduce them to information available on the Internet.The center is located in the community room and includes 4 computers. The center will offer classes including: A Guide Through the Internet Maze, Word Perfect for Seniors, Spreadsheet Galore!, and Quattro Pro BasicsThe center is the 29th Neighborhood Networks Computer Learning Center to open in Washington State.As of January, over 500 centers have opened nationwide and over 700 more are in the planning stages.”